K-9 Solutions Dog Training, Inc.: Some catching up and news to share

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Some catching up and news to share

No matter what crappy things are happening, life does go on. On the training front I have started a Rally O class with Jenny. We've only had one session so far but it was fun. It is just nice to be able to take a class for a change. Since I might actually get in the ring again and attend shows I have also started getting her used to a soft sided crate. I found it for a steal at The Christmas Tree Shop. (only $25!!) This is her at my work last saturday relaxing. I also got her PAL # back from AKC. Unfortunatly they left off part of her name so I had to call. (she is currently Prones that's my ... ) They will be sending a new certificate with "girl" added.
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In other super exciting news the prison program K-9 Corrections is starting up again on Saturday. I got to help interview the handers this time which was interesting. In the past we have only had 1 dog there but we are doing 2 this time, one in each unit. We use two handlers per dog, one primary that is responsible for the dog and a secondary that is a back up. This allows the primary to be able to take breaks and it allows us to have a handler ready to go should something happen to the primary. The secondary becomes the primary for the next dog in the program as well saving some training time. In a nutshell my job is to train the handlers to train the dogs. The dogs then live at the prison while in the program getting 24 hour care and training for 8 to 12 weeks. (typically) This helps make them more adoptable for the general public and teaches the handlers some skills as well. It is a very win/win situation. I am very excited to get started again. We have graduated 7 dogs from the program previously. My sister is doing up some new logo designs for the program that I hope we can use on some t-shirts for fundraising. I'll keep you posted.

1 comment:

Jen said...: the K-9 Corrections program sounds amazing! I'm interested to see how it goes... I wonder if they have something similar near me?

I have a love/hate relationship with Xmas Tree Shop... sometimes its just crap and other times you find amazing steals in the dog section (1.99 for 75 poop bags was a blast!); March 5, 2010 at 9:12 AM

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My Story

In 1992, after serving for 6 years in the United States Marine Corps, I decided to settle down in my hometown in Mid-Coast Maine. I got my first dog, (as a bona-fide adult) an akita, and joined the local kennel club. I also joined akita rescue and learned alot about the breed. In turn I began helping educate others. This taught me how important training is for ALL dogs. Thus began my (unofficial) foray into the world of dog training.

I worked for a few years at a local veterinarians office and then began working at our local humane society. While there I saw many dogs being given up for simple training issues. About that time the kennel club began looking for a new trainer to teach group obedience classes. I decided I might be able to handle that challenge once I had more official training of my own.

MY TRAINING:

I found an excellent trainer to mentor with and in October of 2001 after a year of hands on training and study I completed my apprenticeship under Lloyd Williams of Bear Brook Kennels. During that apprenticeship, in addition to learning all the basics, I got to assist in the training of police dogs in narcotics, tracking and cadaver dogs with the medical examiners office.

Not only did I learn how to be a dog trainer, more importantly, I learned how to teach owners how they could communicate more effectively with their dogs. I consider that training just the beginning in my canine education. I continue to attend seminars and keep current through reading about recent advancements in dog training methods. I am a former member of The Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

My training was sponsored by The Humane Society of Knox County and The Mid-Coast Kennel Club of Maine.

MY METHODS:

I use positive reinforcement methods whenever possible during training sessions. Positive reinforcement helps make the training experience more enjoyable for both the dog and owner, producing a better learning environment. I also utilize hand signals in my training which is very useful with deaf dogs as well as hearing ones. My methods include lure/reward and marker training. (with or without a clicker depending on owner preference)

MY GOALS:

My goal in training is to help pet owners develop a better relationship with their dogs. Many times that includes teaching about canine communication and behavior. I also like to help dogs stay out of the shelters and in their homes whenever possible. Training for those unruly dogs can make that a reality for some families.

MY OTHER JOBS:

I am currently the trainer for the HSKC's K-9 Corrections program. I also work as a receptionist at a local veterinary hospital.

MY FAMILY:

I am happily married and the mother of two fabulous children.

Dog Training and Behavior Seminars Attended

11-09 Self Control and Focus Games with Dee Ganley CPDT/CABC/CDBC
6-09 Dog to Dog Aggression with Patricia McConnell PhD
7-08 Debunking the Dominance Myth in Training with Jean Donaldson
6-08 PitBull Education Seminar with Drayton Michaels
3-08 Aggression and Canine Compulsion Disorders with Dr. Nicholas Dodman
4-07 How to Talk Dog with Sarah Kalnajs
6-06 Understanding Canine Body Language with Trish King
4-06 Aggression in Dogs 2 Day Seminar with Brenda Aloff
10-05 Play with Me and Feisty Fidos with Pia Silvani CPDT,CABC
2005 Canine Communication, Meet your Match and and Intro to "Safer" Training with Emily Weiss PhD